The Suicidal Person: A New Look at a Human Phenomenon

Psychiatrist Konrad Michel, a renowned expert, has written a book that offers new ways of understanding and preventing suicide. He argues that suicide is not just a consequence of mental illness but an action related to a person's life story. Michel's person-centered approach to treatment helps patients find a personally meaningful narrative understanding of their suicidal thoughts and impulses, and he emphasizes the importance of communication between medical professionals and patients. The book provides practical advice for people at risk, with special emphasis on young people, and for relatives and health professionals.

Format: Unspecified
Length: 376 pages
Publication date: 12 September 2023
Publisher: Columbia University Press

Konrad Michel, a renowned psychiatrist and esteemed expert, delves into decades of experience to present groundbreaking new perspectives on understanding and preventing suicide. Tragedy struck when one of Michel's earliest patients took their own life, prompting him to dedicate himself to researching self-harm. In his captivating and deeply personal writing, he shares over forty years of working closely with and learning from individuals who have contemplated or attempted suicide.

Michel reveals that suicide is not solely a product of mental illness but rather a deeply intertwined aspect of a person's life narrative. Through extensive interviews with suicidal patients, he compellingly argues that suicide and suicide attempts arise when individuals endure extreme emotional pain that profoundly hinders their ability to think and act rationally. Building upon this understanding, Michel and his colleagues pioneered a person-centered approach to treatment that transcends the limitations of the traditional medical model. Through brief therapy, patients discover a personally meaningful narrative that helps them comprehend their suicidal thoughts and impulses. This approach empowers individuals at risk to recognize their vulnerabilities and develop the skills to manage potentially life-threatening situations while ensuring their safety.

Michel underscores the critical importance of communication, emphasizing that medical professionals must connect with patients on an individual level to identify specific warning signs. His approach is both compassionate and rigorous, offering vital insights into suicide prevention and demonstrating how shifting attitudes can save lives. The book includes practical advice for individuals at risk, particularly focusing on young people, as well as for relatives and healthcare professionals. By shedding light on the complexities of suicide and providing actionable strategies, this book serves as a powerful tool in the fight against this devastating issue.

Weight: 646g
Dimension: 148 x 225 x 32 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780231205306